Broadway.com

Incredible performances

"I have been obsessed with the music from this show since I was little but had never seen the whole play before. I was not disappointed. The cast is so talented, the singing is absolutely stunning and the acting was excellent too. I especially enjoyed the Narrator, even though this character was not in the original. The staging and dancing worked for me, and I didn’t mind the changes that were made to update and clarify the story. The only negatives for me were that there wasn’t much chemistry between Florence and Anatoly so I wasn’t as invested in that relationship, and the downplaying of his marriage took all the tension out of the love triangle. I was thrown by the change in the ending as well, but none of this took away from my enjoyment. It’s a beautiful production with a hugely talented cast, compelling story, and great music. I would definitely see it again."

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Broadway.com Customer on May 17, 2026

Best show ever.

"Saw this show first London in 1987. Loved it ever since. "

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Andrew L from Royersford on May 17, 2026

Life changing

"The show was absolutely perfection. From the first notes to the last notes, the level of talent was incredible. The narrator was an absolute highlight of the show alongside the astounding vocals from the stars. I would absolutely go see this as many times as possible if I could. "

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Broadway.com Customer on May 17, 2026

42 years in the making

"42 years ago when I was 10, my dad bought the soundtrack after listening to One Night In Bangkok on the radio. I became OBSESSED with the music. The show was only in London back then. In high school I turned my best friend into the music. We know every single word by heart! I finally got to see this yesterday WITH my best friend AND my two adult daughters. Nicholas Christopher absolutely STOLE the show with his amazing voice. I sobbed at the second to last number. This was such an incredible show and I am so grateful to everyone that made this happen so we could see this!"

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Jessica C from Mashpee on May 17, 2026

Incredible - a total “Checkmate”

"Vocals were perfection. Orchestration brought me to tears. Quite honestly exceeded every expectation I had, as a 35 year devotee of this show!!! Run, don’t walk - it is leaving soon!!"

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Julie B from Marietta on May 17, 2026

A Wonderful Period Piece

"Those of us of a certain age remember nonviolent "Cold War" competitive activities between the US and the USSR, of which the game of chess was a prominent example. This musical brings these to light. The plot is pretty straightforward in many ways, but it's backed up by varied songs and production numbers which still feel very fresh after all these years, and by killer performances. We had the understudy for Ms. Michele's role, but she delivered just fine--I've learned over the years never to balk at understudies, as there are many more good actor/singers than there are roles! And overall, I liked the updates as provided by the narrator, especially given the unfortunately coincidental name of one of the characters! "

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Stanley S from Miami on May 16, 2026

SO happy I made the trip to NYC for this!

"I have not been to New York for over 25 years, but knew I would do anything to get to see Chess. I made the plans and got to see the show, and it was truly one of the best shows I have seen. The talent was extraordinary, story was fun and interesting, set was amazing. Nothing about this was a disappointment and I could not be more thrilled I got to see it. Wish I could see it again and again! "

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Broadway.com Customer on May 15, 2026

Brilliantly done!

"A wonderful set with the orchestra is full view & the performance centred around it. A brilliant performance piece. The leads are fantastic with my only complaint being, it’s a little loud! "

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Suze W from Jackson on May 14, 2026

Love, Chess and Politics

"The vocals and choreography do a great job of telling a story of Cold War era political maneuvering, oppression and love. The ensemble cast is fantastic. "

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Broadway.com Customer on May 13, 2026

Well done musical

"The production was great. Cast top notch with Christopher really superb. Haven’t enjoyed a more thought provoking musical. One issue was the lyrics weren’t always understanable"

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Broadway.com Customer on May 11, 2026

You’ll want to come back…

"The latest Broadway revival of Chess delivers a thrilling, high-energy theatrical experience that reminds audiences why this cult-favorite musical has endured for decades. Anchored by a powerhouse cast, including Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele, Nicholas Christopher, Bryce Pinkham, and Hannah Cruz, the production dazzles with soaring vocals and commanding stage presence that elevate the material at every turn."

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Dana Z from Kenilworth on May 11, 2026

Chess is a winner

"What incredible voices! This is what a Broadway musical is all about."

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James B from North Wilkesboro on May 11, 2026

Lea didn't show - Still loved it.

"We were initially very disappointed that Lea Michele cancelled 4 hours before the show (which we were unaware of at the time). But her understudy was phenomenal, and we were able to see the 3 actors who were nominated that morning for a Tony award. We enjoyed the show."

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Broadway.com Customer on May 11, 2026

Powerful Voices with a lot of Humor

"I always wanted to see Lea Michele at a Live Performance and what can I say - it was stunning! Everyone at the cast & Ensemble had such powerful voices and there are many funny parts, altough the story is dramatic. We were from Germany and couldn‘t understand every single word, so I would recommend to inform about the main story in advance. "

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Melanie S from Reutlingen on May 11, 2026

Fabulous show

"Great acting! Great music! We could understand every word to every song (not always the case in musicals). Ensemble- terrific in voice and choreography. Cannot recommend enough!!"

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Michelle M from Zion Crossroads on May 10, 2026

Chess was AMAZING!

"Chess was amazing. I’ve been a fan of the music for two decades and was so excited to see it live. Completely exceeded my expectations!"

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Broadway.com Customer on May 10, 2026

Excellent Show

"After seeing the original Chess in London in the 1980’s, I find this version a vast improvement and the talent is extraordinary! "

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Broadway.com Customer on May 8, 2026

A phenomenal Musical and History lesson in one sitting!

"The story was amazing. The music and acting was perfect! As a matter of fact, there was a show stopping ovation! The understudy for Lea Michelle was awesome! I would see it again and bring friends!"

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Broadway.com Customer on May 7, 2026

Saw Chess twice this year and looking to go again.

"Great music and performance. In addition, after the show I was able to take a picture with all three Tony Awards nominees. "

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Broadway.com Customer on May 6, 2026

Everything I dreamed of and so much more!

"This weekend I saw 4 Broadway shows. Originally my nieces didn't want to see chess so we booked little shop of horrors, Hades town and Death Becomes Her. All fine shows but I was missing the vocals. Chess delivered! Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele and Nicholas Christopher delivered for Broadway. The vocals in this show are like no other. My nieces and daughter who are in their 20s enjoyed the story line (I was worried they would not like it based on the reviews the reviews were so wrong the story is great). The Narrator was perfection and brought everything together with so much humor! Loved Loved Loved this show."

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Broadway.com Customer on May 5, 2026

Powerful, innovative, witty, emotional- strongly recommend

"Stylish modern staging with no set changes - orchestra fully visible on many levels around the sides - part of the show. Witty dialogue letting you know when things were true to history and when not. The songs drove the plot quickly and expressed deep complex emotions - I especially liked Lea Michelle’s “Heaven Help My Heart”. The voices were amazing, of course, with Nicholas Christopher particularly showcasing tremendous depth and power. Aaron Tveit was wonderful in Moulin Rouge and is wonderful here! I thought Hannah Cruz had a slightly off day this particular show. I strongly recommend this show to everyone. It occupies a rather unique niche, with a florid plot but a rock feel - kind of like Jekyll & Hyde meets Mamma Mia."

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Payton T from Harwinton on May 4, 2026

Took 2 hours to unwind after the show!

"This show was fantastic! Easily one of the top 1-3 shows that we have ever attended. The energy was incredible, the vocal performances were off-the-charts amazing, and the staging and production was top notch. I didn't know the plot of Chess before seeing the show. I was pleasantly surprised to find that, unlike so many musical productions, the plot was easy to follow. There's a great mix of narrative, with the musical numbers playing an amazing background role. The plot is engaging, and there is just enough humor to keep it fun, and just enough contemporary references to keep it relevant. VERY highly recommended!"

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Broadway.com Customer on May 4, 2026

A great evening

"A wonderful score that has rarely been sung this well. The entire cast was excellent and the 3 leads were amazing."

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Brian K from Los Angeles on May 3, 2026

Time to play Chess

"The improved storyline really makes this show. Amazing talented cast!! Go for the music alone!"

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Broadway.com Customer on May 2, 2026

Pure, Unadulterated Talent

"I like to say that these Broadway people are not like other people, and there is no better proof of that than Chess. Every aspect of the show is dazzling, but nothing more so than the incredible mastery displayed by the cast. The ensemble is brilliant. The leads are indescribable, and each seems to be at the pinnacle of his/her abilities. Maybe let’s go watch and hear a lot of great songs sung by some of the best singers on earth. Sound like a plan? They have added just the right touches of humor to the book, and the story seems - weirdly - more pertinent now than it did when it was written. A glorious performance and a great night at the theatre. No notes. "

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Michael W from Chicago on May 1, 2026

Chess Reviews

Customer Reviews (401)

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